Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayden Harker.
Hi Hayden, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Multiple pinball players in the Eugene community have discussed starting a nonprofit pinball collective for a few years. Last year we realized that interest in pinball in Eugene was at the highest level it had ever been which meant it was a good time to try and establish such an organization.
A group of eight people who organized pinball events and owned pinball machines met in spring of 2025 to discuss a path forward. The group envisioned a place that included playing pinball, teaching people to play pinball, hosting pinball tournaments, having machines from many different decades, watching pinball streams on Twitch, streaming pinball on Twitch and repairing pinball machines.
In August of 2025 we found a location in the back of the Claim 52 building that we could rent. It was 1200 square feet and fit our needs. The found board members (9 total at that point) spent many hours cleaning and painting the space, and getting it ready to open. Our opening day was Thursday, December 4 and we’ve been popular in the community so far.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting the space ready was challenging. There were many things to clean. We were successful because of the diverse talents the board members brought to table. It was a smooth road, but challenging.
We also haven’t implemented everything we’d like to do such a technical classes about pinball machines and giving lessons to help people improve their game. We’ve done a little of that, but it hasn’t been consistent.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a math instructor at the University of Oregon. I’m also the Head Undergraduate Advisor for the math department. I teach a wide variety of courses to math majors and non-math majors at the University. I enjoy pinball because I like fixing pinball machines and developing a strategies to succeed at playing pinball.
I think we’ve been successful because of the diverse people on the board. I’m an instructor, there is a computer programmer, a roofer, a high school teacher and others. We’ve each contributed to the vision and made the Cascade Underground Pinball Society into an place that people enjoy.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Everyone involved with the Cascade Underground Pinball Society loves pinball. We love our pinball community in Eugene and hope to help grow the pinball scene in Eugene for years to come.
Pricing:
- $8 per hour
- $15 for the day
- $50 for a monthly membership
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cascadepinball.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/cascadepinball/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Cascadeundergroundpinball
- Other: https://www.twitch.tv/cascadeundergroundpinball
